CARLISLE — Cumberland County commissioners are applying for a grant to help them design a system that will overhaul the way county employees receive their raises.

The Patriot-News, file photo

Mick Burkett, human resources director, said Thursday that the county is eligible to request funding from the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development, because the new performance-based pay plan idea spawned from a recommendation that came out of a previous grant from the department.

Commissioners approved submitting the grant application Thursday.

Chief Clerk Larry Thomas previously said the new pay program is intended to give incentives to employees capable and willing to work at a higher level, and rewards them with raises based on their achievement rather than longevity.

The first phase covered half of the county’s cost in hiring Public Financial Management, the Philadelphia-based consultant brought in to help the county look for areas to cut to find a savings.

While the county is still reviewing PFM's recommendations, Burkett said it is eligible to apply for the second phase. If approved, the state will cover 50 percent of the cost up to $80,000 for the design and implementation of the performance-based compensation system, as well as training to go along with the new plan.

The performance-based plan would replace the current system in which raises are based on moving up a salary schedule. Employees will be evaluated using a five-point scale, with a less-than-satisfactory rating resulting in no pay increase.

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